WARM DECEMBER

It is a Warm December in Oklahoma!  We love the sunshine.  We needed the sunshine so we could clean up all the branches from our ice storm.

MONDAY, 7 DECEMBER 2015 
After Seminary I went straight to the temple to do some paper work for The Temple Presidency.  The temple is closed for cleaning for two weeks, so it was a great morning in the quiet of the temple.

We spent the evening with The Hutto's and Mary Newman.  Karen fixed chicken noodle soup...and of course she made the noodles...it was to die for...so yummy.  We had warm chocolate chip cookies for dessert.  We studied Elder Anderson's last two conference talks.  Then we watched the movie "Once I Was A Beehive".  I think they all liked the movie, but Karen said our Brenna would probably be disappointed when she attends camp after watching this fun movie!  Karen does not let me take pictures of her, so I took a picture of her table decoration.  Thank you Hutto's for the fun evening.  Mary gave us some chocolate mice...they were yummy, thanks for those too Mary!

TUESDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2015
I am teaching Seminary this morning.  We are studying about Moses striking the rock to bring forth water.  I had a stick and hit the table with it and I even freaked out Grandpa Arthur!  Of course you know that Moses took credit and The Lord chastised he and Aaron.  It was a good lesson for all of us to remember.  My favorite part of the lesson was Numbers 21:16  "They went to "Beer", the well and The Lord said, "I will give them water".  I jokingly told the youth when someone offers them Beer to make sure they tell their friends, "The Lord has given us water instead".  I just love the symbolism in that well!
After this lesson I accompanied Heather to Dr. Hennebry's office for her check up.  He said she was doing well.  He wants her to have an echo as soon as her family returns from their Christmas excursion.  Heather was relieved she is doing good.  She is bruising all over though because of the blood thinner she is on.  Dr. Hennebry told her that she should try and stay on it for 6 months.  That made her a little sad.  She also has a cold so is not feeling well.  He also told me to call his office tomorrow if his assistant didn't call to schedule my last surgery.
Grandpa Arthur went over and helped Kenneth Hutto cut up tree branches most of the day.  They about got his yard looking good again.
WEDNESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2015
We discussed the grumpy Prophet Balaam this morning.  It is fun that at Christmas we speak of an Angel appearing to a donkey!  Numbers 22:21-36  Balaam got so so mad at that donkey, and the students were surprised that Balaam just answered the donkey when he spoke to him.  Emma said, "What do you think a donkey voice sounds like"?  Grandpa Arthur tried to make a donkey sound like his Grandpa Tanner used to make.  We all had a good laugh and pondered this interesting Old Testament Story.  We also pondered how The Lord taught His Prophet Balaam to do what He requests!  So many things to think about...brain ache.

There was the most beautiful sunrise when we exited the Church this morning after Seminary.  We just pulled the truck over and sat and watched it till the colors began to fade.

GRANDPA ARTHUR DUG UP THE ROOF AGAIN.  He dug it up in the corner by our bedroom.
He is a trooper.  The corner seam was so open...he pounded a stick into the seam.

He did not have to dig up as much dirt, but it was enough.  A gopher dug into the hole during the night.  Dumb, or I should say smart, gophers.  They are a pain!

This is how it looks now that Grandpa Arthur filled in the hole and patched it.  He is letting it dry out tonight.  Bring on the rain!

Brother Sharp painted our garage for us today.  We now have a clean garage for the Christmas Season.  Thank you, Brother Sharp, our garage walls were disgusting.  I believe if our cars could talk, like Balaam's donkey, they would thank you for making their home so lovely!  We certainly thank you!  It was a WARM DECEMBER day and a perfect day to paint a new coat on the walls.  We have some cupboards that Brother Sharp suggested we put handles on to make them easier to open.  We have lived in this cave for over 30 years and never even thought of putting knobs on those cupboards.  Silly us.  Thank's to Brother Sharp our cupboards are getting a Christmas present this year.  See how nice and clean these garage cupboards look!


I served in the temple office again today.  It sure is a lot easier to get letters written when the temple is closed.  I about got the office caught up with their correspondence.  The temple is starting to look ready to open next week.  Nothing like a winter cleaning to bring the angels in!  Thank's, President and Sister Roberts for inviting me to serve this week.  The temple carries the best Christmas Spirit even when it is getting spruced up for the next six months.  The Nativity looks like it is displayed in
a Spring setting.  Merry Christmas to all who go to The House of The Lord during this Glorious Season! I asked the donkey if he talked but he just kept staring at the ground and didn't answer.

BYU Basketball team is playing Utah State this evening.  Grandpa Arthur is excited!  Go sons of Rose! BYU Cougars 80 - Utah State Aggies 68!

THURSDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2015
CUPBOARD knobs: It's still a WARM DECEMBER, and a Merry Christmas to our cupboards.

Heather invited me to Lukes Christmas luncheon and chior.  Yah...he was a cute as a bugs ear...no lunch for me...just him and the noise level was torture...loved being there!

How could we get into the Christmas Spirit if it weren't for our Grandchildren?  Leif and Luke like
designing their own holiday attire!

SATURDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2016
Our Friday Seminary Program for the Junior and Senior Class went on without a hitch.  Our students read the class a story, Emma played "Greenleaves" on her violin, each student spoke of what Christmas means to them ( They had me crying as they shared their thoughts).  We left their upper classmen with donuts and farewells from the fantastic Freshman class.  When I got home, from our teaching, The Book of Deuteronomy,  I realized I forgot to take any pictures... maybe next time.

Our Ward Christmas Party:
It was last evening and was well organized, tasty and great program.  Thank's OKC 7th Ward for bringing on the Christmas Holiday.

 The Bishopric and Young Men sang for us!

 Luke licking off the ice cream...got to get it all!

Jake went back for seconds, thirds, fourths...to think he used to not eat?

The Primary children sang for us.  We also had a quartet by some Relief Society Sisters that was fantastic and a sister played the harp.  Bishop told a Christmas Story about his dad and some pet geese.  It was a great evening.  Thank's to all who made it possible.

My wonderful son, Ryan, came over this morning and helped his dad hang a tv in our bedroom.  Now I too have a good tv to watch when the many ballgames are on in the family room.  Yay!  Thank you Ryan.  He and Sarah have been making a stocking holder for their mantle...such talent!
I got to spend some time with Rachel today while her daddy was helping Grandpa Art.  Thank's for going grocery shopping with me Rachel.

Our two granddaughters in Austin are cheerleaders and their team won today.  They travel to Houston & play Katy next week to see if their school can take State...pretty impressive for a small Texas school!  We believe our beautiful granddaughters already make this school a winner!  Go Lake Travis!
Cecily and her dad Eric!

Lauren!

And that is what is happening in our neck of the woods...we hope each of you are having a good week.  Our friends Dee and Laurie stopped by yesterday...thanks!  Friends are such a blessing.  We hope each of you have family around you this Holiday Season.  Remember to tell your children you love them.  We adore our family and are so thankful for each of you!
Merry, Merry Christmas friends and family.
From a WARM DECEMBER in Oklahoma we wish you a peaceful Sabbath and a joyful week.
Blessings to each of you.
Hug's always,
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
Arthur and Gene

DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY,  2 DECEMBER 2015

The sun is shinning again!  Who would have thought this skiff of ice could wear us out this week?

This is day two of dragging broken branches to the gully.  Boy, we could use a gully washer again.  We have totally filled the gully, by the house, with tree limbs.  This was the first branch we tossed in.  Since then there have been over 100!

Day two, Grandpa Arthur sawing limbs so Grandma Gene can drag them to the gully.  We do pretty good work together for an old couple.

This is our recently trimmed lilac bush.  We left the little branches so it can still get some nutrient and I will cut them out when the leaves reappear.  The poor little bush is probably in shock since a huge branch about smashed it flat in the ice storm.   I read, on the internet, that it may take three years for it to bloom again after trimming it.  My oldest granddaughter, Cecily, will almost be finished with college by then!  I hope that this lilac tree perks up and flowers this summer and proves all the trimmers wrong.  We shall see.  I suppose I should just hope it gets leaves this spring and doesn't die of ice shock.   

We attended Charles Devol's funeral in the afternoon. He passed away on Thanksgiving.   They also included a memorial for his wife, Evelyn, who passed away in September.  Grandpa Arthur and I were assigned to give the prayers at the service.  It was fun to see all their family and visit with many of them.  Their son, Kevin, was one of my first seminary students in OKC 3rd Ward...in about 1979...or so.  There has been a lot happen since then.  Kevin gave a great tribute to his dad.  Evelyn and Charles were both buried at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Our love and prayers are with their families at this difficult time.  Charles was born on Valentines Day and his last name spelled backwards is Loved!

We returned home just as Grandpa Arthur's brother Jeff and his wife Wendy drove up to the cave.  They are finished with their New York Mission and headed home to Boise, Idaho via visiting us, their daughter Alona in Texas, and some families in Joseph City, Arizona.  It was a great evening of visiting with them.  We took them up to visit with Heather and family and then over to visit Ryan and family.Great Job Wendy and Jeff!  Thank's for stopping and visiting us.  They are excited to be able to spend Christmas with their family in Boise!  Thank's for driving through Oklahoma.

THURSDAY, 3 DECEMBER 2015
Elder Jeffrey Bushman agreed to teach our Seminary students for us this morning...so we talked him in to getting up with us at 5:00 AM...They have been teaching institute on their mission.
Elder Bushman taught the students about symbol
           Understanding Scriptural Symbols

"What are we to do with all of the symbolic language in the Bible—the imagery, figurative expressions, parables, allegories, types, shadows, similes, and hyperbole? Sometimes this imagery is clear and powerful, but often it seems baffling and strange."

He used an Ensign article written by Gerald N. Lund, director of the Curriculum and Instruction Division of the Church Educational System, who lives in a Bountiful, Utah, ward. The article was in the October 1986 Ensign.  I think you would find it very interesting to add to your studies.  The youth could relate many of the symbols to Jesus Christ and His teachings.  Thank's for teaching us this morning, Elder Bushman, we will be looking for symbolism in our every day lives now, thank's to your handout on symbols.

Tonight is the Christmas party for Mike's dental practice, so the children will be visiting Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene. We are preparing ourselves for a noisy evening!  Pizza and "Rio" movie and homework was our evening with the grandchildren.  Whew..I think we all survived intact!

FRIDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2015
Today, in Seminary we talked about the spies that Moses sent into the promised land.  While our lesson was in progress the Band class surprised us with a Christmas Devotional and donuts.  They challenged us to do the same for another class.  This was a great way to think about Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.  Thank you to Sister Knowles and her Band Class!  Our students thank you for the donuts too!

 
Day three of trees.  I tore a big gash in my right arm dragging branches today...I'm such a clutz!  Grandpa Arthur throws the trees in the gully after I drag them there...only 10 trees to go...or 20...yawn.

This one and the one next to it must wait for day 4..we are exhausted.

Ryan came over to borrow our pick up & trailer so he could help people in his Ward that needed trees cut.  We had three trees fall on our trailer, so we had to pull them off and move them so he could go help others...Ha!  At least those trees are behind the shed waiting for us to cut them up.
SATURDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2015
We learned, this DECEMBER, that Yes, Bronco, there really is a Santa.
Marc Bronco Clay Mendenhall (born February 21, 1966) is the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers football team at the University of Virginia.
He just changed hats!

Heather and Mike had a Christmas party for some of their friends this evening.  So I went over to watch movies with their children, in their basement, while Grandpa Arthur watched ballgames in the cave.  We had to get them over to visit 
with Santa before the party began.

My son, Eric, sent this photo of his son Brandt and daughter Lauren at one of her middle school games...they are looking good!

It was just a beautiful day in the South, compared to last weekend!
SUNDAY, 6 DECEMBER 2015
Elder Southward was in our 7th Ward Sacrament Meeting today.  It was great seeing him and listening to his testimony.  Thank's to all who bore their testimonies today.  We were so thankful that we were in our meetings today.  We came home strengthened and ready to "Carry On".
Our three grandson's rode to church with us this morning.  They were still sleepy from our movie watching last evening!

Lily rode home with us and she was a delight to travel with.

We went up to the Hansen's to share dinner with them.  Ryan, Sarah and their children were not able to visit with us today.  We missed this family as we broke bread together.  We love the Hansen's.

This evening we will watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.
We hope you can listen this evening also.
Enjoy the month of December and remember to tell your children you love them. " We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet"
Hug's always,
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
Arthur and Gene
P.S. If you miss this devotional...watch on LDS. org.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We find the real joy of Christmas when we make the Savior the focus of the season. We can keep Him in our thoughts and in our lives as we go about the work He would have us perform here on earth. At this time, particularly, let us follow His example as we love and serve our fellowmen.

Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.

As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us to our Christmas opportunity in service to our fellowman. May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior. And may one and all have a joy-filled Christmas.

Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Ucthdorf

THANKSGIVING WEEK

THANKSGIVING WEEK 
SUNDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2015
Our Grandson Jacob Michael Hansen,was ordained, by his father, to be a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood today.  We now have three teachers in this family!  Congratulations Jacob!  This is Jacob on Thanksgiving day.

TUESDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2015

So we finished, our lessons for the week, this morning, Yay, tomorrow we can sleep in!  Hoot, Hoot.  We spoke of Leprosy and how overcoming this disease is like overcoming sin in our day.  This was a sensitive topic.  The sacrifices of Lambs and Goats brought questions and answers.

Leviticus 16–18

The Lord instructs Israel concerning the Day of Atonement and commands them not to follow the wicked practices of other nations.  

The Day of Atonement was the most sacred and holy day of the year for the Israelites. It was a day of fasting, prayer, and deep contemplation of the mission of the Messiah (Jesus Christ).  Does that sound appropriate for our day?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK

Leviticus 14:4-7 Explains the bird offerings.

I hope we all enjoy our crispy bird offerings!

The Lord gives laws and ordinances that pertain to physical cleanliness and sanitation....shaving & bathing is required when the leprous person has been cleansed.

Grandpa Arthur left, immediately, to serve in the temple, after class.   He presented himself, before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation in the OKC Tempe, in Yukon, Oklahoma.  I'm sure he will enjoy serving this THANKSGIVING WEEK.

 I have a doctor appointment this afternoon.  If I pass I can start swimming again, soon! ( I did not pass...one more surgery required to catch all the stray veins that survived the other surgeries.  Oh well, better to finish now while still healing.)

Yesterday we spent the morning cutting dead branches from our trees in the front yard.   Grandpa Arthur enjoys using his new pole saw in our "open field".

"Um, Grandpa, that branch doesn't look like it was dead".  Grandpa Arthur replied, "now the grass will grow really well under the tree this spring"!  And he says I get scissor happy when I cut his hair?  So we hauled all the branches, living and dead, into the gully.  It was a fun day to work in the yard.  The sun was shinning and it was a beautiful fall day.

I noticed, this morning, that the Christmas Cactus is starting to bloom, just a wee bit early.  It is beautiful and looks like there are going to be blooms during the whole Holiday.  Welcome Home for the Christmas Season!  It is great to be back in Edmond Oklahoma for THANKSGIVING WEEK!

WEDNESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2015

Dentist for a cleaning so the crispy turkey can be politely chewed! 

This is a photo of my son-in-law dentist, Michael, after our Thanksgiving feast the next day.  He even had an emergency patient to take care of before our feast began...and once his tummy was full... we hope you relaxed and didn't dream of teeth Mike!  He is a great dad too.

Lily ran errands with Grandma Gene in the afternoon.  Thank's for your help Lily!

THURSDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 2015

It is raining outside!  The earth is having a big drink of water, in Oklahoma, for the Thanksgiving week.  We need the rain so no one is complaining.  We went to Sarah and Ryan's for our Holiday feast.  Here are some highlights of our Feast Day.  Our Turkey was served on the plate we purchased on our New York Mission.  Not picture perfect, but moist and tender...fell off the bones.

 We got a photo of all the adults who created this great feast.  Thanksgiving dinner is really good when everyone does their part.  We work well as a team!

 Our Lily and Brenna were glad to feast together on this scrumptious dinner.

 Grandpa Arthur cut the turkey sack and prepared to put the turkey on the plater.

 Grandpa Arthur called Ryan in to help lift this bird.

 "I'm here to help my daddy", said Ryan!

Sarah set up beautiful table settings.

 Time for prayer...let the feast begin.

Luke and Rachel, " We love our Turkey feast Grandma Gene".

 "Look Grandma Gene, I'm a cub scout, this is my pin", said Cannon

 Rachel knows how to use the computer better than Grandma Gene, go figure.

Leif and Cannon having turkey!  Such enthusiasm! 

Happy Thanksgiving Week everyone

To end this fun day, I put Christmas pillowcases on our sleeping pillows tonight.  Sweet Christmas dreams Grandpa Arthur.  Igloo's & happy feet in the cave!

FRIDAY,  27 NOVEMBER 2015

We got 1 1/2 inches of rain yesterday and awoke to rain today.  It is a good day to stay in.  Black Friday shopping is online, but I don't shop much.

We just received news that Charles Devol passed away on Thanksgiving Day.  His wife Evelyn's funeral was in September.  What a great THANKSGIVING they are having.  Blessings to their families.  We loved Evelyn & Charles and will look forward to a reunion with them again someday. Evelyn considered Charles her handsome prince and they collected frogs together!  I hope they both feel "loved" this THANKSGIVING WEEK.

Frequently rely on God! 

FROG

SATURDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2015

Grandpa Arthur is serving in the temple today.  I am listening to branches crack around the cave.

Edmond: 4 INCHES OF RAIN

Woke up to ice everywhere and branches all over the grounds.  We have lost at least 20 branches to the ice.

It is beautiful!

 This branch looks like it has arms and legs and is going to dance the ice away!

 I doubt our boy on the weather vane is going fishing anytime soon!

We had to listen to the BYU-Utah State game on the internet radio because the ice knocked the Cox channel off.  BYU won 51-28!  Way to go sons of Bronco!  

Logan Taele great play!  OU also beat OSU in a exciting game.

SUNDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2015

GREAT SUNDAY

We drove through fallen branches to our Ward meetings.  We all met together third hour...everyone discussed how their property was damaged by the ice.  Our lilac bush is going to need a good trimming as it got smashed by a huge tree limb.  Some members are going to receive help from the Priesthood in cleaning up.  Bishop Christensen taught a great lesson on strengthening our families.  We came home and enjoyed a quiet evening.  We took the film "Once I was a Beehive" up to our daughters and enjoyed watching it with her children.  We are taking it to Ryan's family to watch this Monday evening.  This is just the cutest movie...and reminds us of our own younger years.  I'm going to find time to share it with our Seminary youth too.

MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2015

The deer have been wandering our yard again, now that the ice has melted.

The one thing we learned, this past "icic" week is that God's power can chop trees limbs off way higher than Grandpa Art's chain pole saw can reach!  We have quite the selection of tree limbs down, all over the yard.  Grandpa Arthur said they won't be near as fun to cut up and throw in the gully as when he hand picks them himself.  Oh well, with just a little bit of water we can see the damage ice can do.  The Lord is trimming up this area.

Today we learned, in Seminary, that The Lord taught Israel how to be Holy.  Leviticus 19:28 reminds us: "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you." Moses wrote this over 4000 years ago and here we are today....I have piercings in my ears...what about the rest of you, are you becoming Holy?  We best get our "Acts" together,  Our "Numbers" may be next!

We are still eating our crispy bird offering from this THANKSGIVING WEEK. Bon appetit!  

Merry Christmas!

Hug's Always,

Grandpa Arthur & Grandma Gene

Arthur & Gene